inside the spotlight Latest Hip-Hop Albums Spotlight Approved Spelmanite Jay-Z, Trey Songtz and Kid Cudi’s albums Metro Diner Cafe in downtown Atlanta offers Makes iDex are all put to the test an All-American menu with a Greek twist and a Spelman junior makes page 8 lively karaoke floor, iPhone application, page 8 page 6

[email protected] September 30, 2009 The Voice of African-American Womanhood College Mourns Loss of Jasmine Lynn

Administrators and students react in wake of fatal shooting

Michelle D. Anderson Managing Editor Within 24 hours of the shoot­ ing and subsequent death of Jas­ mine Lynn on Clark Atlanta Uni­ versity’s campus on Sept. 3, road blockages, identification checks and residence hall lock downs were in full effect. The incident has since generated increased campus security and new safety protocols - especially at CAU. Lynn, a 19-year-old sopho­ more at Spelman College from Kansas City, Mo., was hit in the chest by a stray bullet fired in the midst of an altercation between two groups of young adults near CAU’s Heritage Commons apart­ ment complex. In an official statement ad­ dressed to The Spelman Spotlight on Sept. 16, CAU president Carl­ ton E. Brown said he requested a temporary shutdown of James P. Brawley Drive within hours of the incident. The University’s public safety department request­ ed the barricades set up by the Atlanta Police Department later that day, Brown said. The barricades block James P. Brawley Drive between Parsons PHOTO BY: FURERY REID, SPELMAN COLLEGE Street and Martin Luther King, Students march for Atlanta University Center unity in memory of the late Jasmine Lynn Jr., Drive. Barriers also block Mitchell Street between James P. Brawley Drive and Raymond Spelman alumna American Idol Street. Joey Greene, a CAU fresh­ man who lives in Ware Hall, a runs for Atlanta inspires Spelman dorm right across the street from where the shooting occurred, said he first noticed the barricades the day after the accident. Mayor women Greene said he was happy to see the road obstructions, but Ashley Brooke Brown Kirstin Cherise Evans said he wished they were erected Stajf Writer Assistant News Editor earlier. Greene, an accounting major, As a Spelman woman, choosing to change the world is the “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino shared her trails and first heard the gunshots while name of the game. Alumna Tiffany Brown, 30, says she’s rap­ tribulations and offered inspirational words of wisdom to Spelman studying early in the morning. idly taking steps to embody this goal by running for mayor of College students during a recent visit to the campus. Barrino, cur­ “Why did it take someone to get Atlanta. rent star of the Brodway musical “The Color Purple” engaged stu­ killed for barricades to go up?” Her platform, “Reinvest in Atlanta, Creating a better com­ dents in a candid discussion where she encouraged young women Greene said campus safety is munity for future generations,” focuses on seven key areas of to be comfortable and honest in everything they do. not as effective as it should be. improvement for the city: public safety, infrastructure, Barrino spoke in Sisters Chapel on Sept. 17. Characteristic of “They’re focusing on the Continued on page 6 Continued on page 2 Continued on page 5 ..becauseyou can’t change the world if there’s nothing left of it- Page 2 ------SPELMAN COLLEGE ------

Fantasia Barrino visits Spelman JAGUAR ATHLETICS Continuedfrom frontpage don’t pay attention to the media her welcoming personality, Bar­ because, once again, that’s some­ rino choose to speak from the isles one getting in the way of my Show your jaguar spirit at these rather than a podium, creating an destiny.” upcoming athletic events: intimate and comfortable atmo­ The star also talked about her sphere for the students. evolving career and her transi­ CROSSCOUNTRY Barrino’s message centered tion from singing and perform­ around encouraging Spelman stu­ ing in live concerts to acting and dents to reach out to young girls bringing a character to life on 10/8/09, 4 p.m., AUC Invitational, and become positive role models in stage. Jonesboro, Ga. their communities. “Help this cra­ Prior to joining “The Color 10/10/09, 9 a.m., Southern zy world we live in today,” she told Purple” Fantasia said she had Challenge, Marietta, Ga. students, who packed into the cha­ never witnessed a Broadway 10/17/09, 9 a.m., Oglethorpe pel to listen to the R&B/Soul diva. show. However, her role as Celie Invitational, Atlanta, Ga. gave her the opportunity to ex­ Barrino shared her own trials 10/31/09, 10a.m.,GSAC and tribulations on her road to plore another aspect of the en­ fame. She spoke about the hard­ tertainment world, she said. Championships, LaGrange, Ga. ships in her personal life and her In the film and play adaptation struggles throughout the Ameri­ of Alice Walker’s award winning SOCCER can Idol competition. novel, the character Celie is un­ educated, abused and struggles “The things that I went through Barrino reprised her role as Celle in the North Ameri­ 9/30/09, Away, 7 p.m., Emory made me who I am today,” she said. can touring production of the "The Color Purple" on with self-esteem issues. 10/6/09, Home, 4 p.m., LaGrange Barrino also spoke about her abu­ Sept. 15 at the Fox Theatre. The Atlanta tour ends on Similar to the embattled char­ Sept. 27 sive relationship and the challenges acter, Barrino faced domestic of being a teen mother. Ridiculed ality competition show, Barrino re­ violence, allowing her to connect VOLLEYBALL by naysayers, Fantasia said people ceived a lot of backlash, but she did with the musical’s central character. looked down on her for being an un­ not allow the negative criticism about “I live her life,” Barrino said. educated mother from the country. her potential affect her progress on Fantasia walked out of Sister’s 10/1/09, Home, 7 p.m., Toccoa Falls Determined to overcome her tur­ the show. She said she remained con­ Chapel singing “Summertime,” and 10/2/09, Home, 6 p.m., Maryville moil, Barrino made a life-changing fident, keeping God first in her life. afterwards, students rushed to the 10/6/09, Home, 6:30 p.m., Piedmont decision to try out for “American “An idol is someone who is expect­ front to take photos and capture a fi­ Idol.” ed to be perfect but no one is perfect nal glance at the star. As a contestant on the popular re­ but the man upstairs,” she said. “I

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY CENTER

ion “The jaguar” Boyd emerged the VMAs, what would you do “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” newing life through service, The AUC as Mr. AUC 2009, while Aman­ to prevent this as it pertains to Council members recognized but now I plan to first assist da “The snake” Green seized the the AUC?” Daniel’s performance to be re­ Amanda Green with her plat­ Council title of Miss AUC 2009. Boyd’s Some audience members cord-breaking because he com­ form in addition to also carry­ court also includes First Atten­ gasped at the question and ap­ pleted his painting in less than ing PEARLS,” said Myers, the crowns a dant Lionel “The lion” Daniels peared anxious for Gaynor’s re­ three minutes—the maximum first attendant to Miss AUC. and on Green’s court, Danielle sponse. time allotted to candidates dur­ Last spring, pageant organiz­ new king and “The phoenix” Myers. “I believe I have respect and ing the talent showcase. ers postponed the event because In order to partake in the pride for all the institutions in Sebastian Gaudin performed it struggled to requisition King queen voting process, the council the AUC in order to prevent a dance routine where he com­ Chapel as its venue. It was post­ asked supporters to donate a such happenings among the bined aspects of modern dance poned again this fall because of Cherise Lesesne dollar as an indication of their AUC community.” along with jazz and ballet time conflicts with other events, During the talent segment, movements. Gaynor said. News Editor desired vote. Consequently, the audience helped determine the Myers performed a spoken Green performed spoken “The most enjoyable part of winners by offering the most word verse titled, “A New Year.” word to Alicia Key’s “Why the the pageant is getting it done The Atlanta University Cen­ monetary support to the top Gaynor followed with “In Caged Bird Sings.” Boyd ended and finally being able to do the ter Council transformed Martin contestant. love with Another Woman, ” his the talent portion by also per­ show,” said Daniels, Mr. AUC’s Luther King Jr. International During the question and an­ rendition of Jazmine Sullivan’s forming his spoken word piece first attendant. Chapel into wild forest during swer portion, participants an­ “In love with Another Man.” titled “N.I.G.G.E.R.” All contestants received cer­ the 11th annual Mr. and Miss swered impromptu questions Green sang “Born to Love Donning formal attire, con- tificates of participation. The AUC pageant on Sept. 15. ranging from ways to improve Again” with a saxophone and testers shared their activities council, contestants and judges With the theme, “Welcome the AUC and the tragedy of Jas­ piano accompanist. and platforms in hopes of land­ also gave special awards such to the Jungle,” the AUC Council mine Lynn’s death to the 2009 Daniels followed up with ing the top title. Many aspi­ as “Most Improved,” “Mr. and presented seven candidates who MTV Video Music Awards. his personal tribute to Michael rants’ platforms promoted AUC Miss. Congeniality” and “Best each assumed the persona of a The judges asked contender Jackson where he finger painted unity. Talent.” different animal to complement Gerron “The cheetah” Gaynor, a portrait of the late pop star “My initial platform was to the pageant’s theme. “In consideration of Kanye while simultaneously perform­ initiate Operation PEARLS, By the end of the night, Err- West’s most recent reaction at ing to songs “I’ll Be There,” presenting education and re­

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEF White Mayoral Candidate Leads Race In Light of ‘Black Mayor’ Memo Controversy As Atlanta gears up to select a new mayor, the competition for the mayoral seat has intensified in light of recent poll results and a racially-charged memo that has been circulating since late August. Currently, the election’s front runners are Atlanta councilwoman Mary Norwood, City Council President Lisa Borders and state senator Kasim Reed. A Georgia Insider Advantage poll released last week indicated that Norwood had 42 percent of the vote; Borders, 34 percent, and Kasim Reed, nine percent. If Norwood wins the seat, she will become the first white mayor in 35 years. Despite her lead, Norwood’s campaign has been met with some controver­ sial opposition. In late August, an e-mail issued by the Black Leadership Forum and written by William Boone and Keith Jennings, both political science professors at Clark Atlanta University, began circulating. The memo urged local Black citizens to support Borders in an effort to avoid a runoff that would put Norwood in the mayoral seat. The e-mail, which has been dismissed by all three top candidates, contends that a Black mayor would fulfill “a black agenda” and cater to the interests of local African-American citizens. Both professors said the media misconstrued the memo’s analysis in a recent press conference. Atlanta citizens elected its first Black mayor, Maynard H. Jackson, Jr, in 1973. U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2007 indicate the city is 57 percent Black and 38 percent white. ------—— P n n P NATIONAL------The “Liberal Lion of the Senate” dies at 77

surrounded him when Civil Rights Act of 1964, Kennedy said Sophomore Mahogany Hanks be­ he entered a room is he could no longer remain quiet. lieves Kennedy’s death is a great loss to unlike any that I have “My brother was the first president American politics, especially to the Afri­ ever seen before. He of the United States to state publicly can American community. truly was a strong be­ that segregation was wrong,” Kennedy “His legacy influenced the progres­ liever of an excellent said in 1964. “His heart and soul are sion for African Americans and Ameri­ education for all citi­ in this bill. If his life and death had a can culture, and will always be appreci­ zens,” said Darrell Ben­ meaning, it was that we should not hate ated,” Hanks said. nett, Jr., a Morehouse but love one another; we should use our Kennedy also publicly endorsed Pres­ alumnus and a current powers not to create conditions of op­ ident Barack Obama, which propelled Harvard Law School pression that lead to violence, but condi­ the presidential candidate into closer student, who interned tions of freedom that lead to peace. It is contention for securing the Democratic in Kennedy’s office on in that spirit that I hope the Senate will Party’s nomination. CHIP SOMODEVILLA, GETTY IMAGES Capitol Hill in 2005. pass this bill.” “We’ve lost the irreplaceable center Senator Kennedy addressing a crowd. In tandem with the Kennedy worked with Coretta Scott of our family and joyous light in our Kelly Harper legacy of his famous King to establish a federal holiday in lives, but the inspiration of his faith, op­ News Editor family, Kennedy campaigned for civil honor of her late husband, Dr. Martin timism, and perseverance will live on in rights and equality. First elected to the Luther King, Jr. Her son, Martin Luther our hearts forever. We thank everyone Last month, America lost a promi­ Senate in 1962, Kennedy went on to be King III called Kennedy the country’s who gave him care and support over this nent leader who worked to change the elected nine times and served for 47 “greatest statesman in modern times.” last year, and everyone who stood with lives of countless Americans for nearly years in the U.S. Senate. At the time of Kennedy’s life has significant mean­ him for so many years in his tireless 50 years. Kennedy’s passing, he was the third lon­ ing in the Atlanta University Center march for progress toward justice, fair­ Sen. Edward “Ted” Moore Kenne­ gest-serving member of the Senate. He because his political support allowed ness and opportunity for all,” the Ken­ dy lost his battle with brain cancer on gave his first major speech on the boom­ many students to attend Morehouse nedy family said in a statement released Aug. 25, leaving politicians and citizens ing Senate floor at the age of 32, nearly School of Medicine. When former At­ on Aug. 26. mourning the life of a man known for four months after his oldest brother was lanta mayor Andrew Young requested Kennedy is survived by his wife Vicki striving for equality for all—regardless assassinated. assistance to create the medical school, and five children Kara, Edward Jr., Pat­ of race or creed. As a newly elected member of the which has a mission of educating phy­ rick, Curran and Caroline Raclin, and “Senator Kennedy was a crusader for Senate, Kennedy tried to learn and sicians to work in underserved commu­ his sister Jean Kennedy Smith. the common man, and was truly loved watch. However, after listening to his nities, he consulted Kennedy to see his and admired in the office. The aura that Senate colleagues deliberate over the dreams come to fruition. ------INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS Rwandan Genocide Trial Reopens in Finland Francois Bazaramba, a former Rwandan pastor, has gone to trial in Finland after being charged with having a role in the massacre of 5,000 Tutsis in his home country in 1994. Bazaramba, a Hutu, has been accused of planning and carrying out the killing thousands of women and children and will face a life sentence if found guilty. During the Rwandan Genocide, an estimated 1 million people died when the Hutu majority began killing their rivals, the Tutsis, and anyone who sup­ ported or helped them. Life sentences in Finland require a minimum 12 years in jail. The 58-year-old, who came to Finland in 2003 seeking asylum, has denied all the charges. Authorities expect the case to last until the end of the year. A court official said Bazaramba’s trial will feature no jury and will be heard by four judges. Finland refused to transfer Bazaramba to Rwanda earlier this year, stating that he would not receive a fair trial in his native country. Sudanese Government Convicts Woman for Wearing Pants A Sudanese court fined a woman after she wore pants in public on Sept. 7. The court excused the woman from her initial sentence of 40 lashes because she violat­ ed the nation’s decency laws. Many women’s rights activists say the law, Article 152, is vague and unfair. The woman, Lubna Hussein, 34, plans to appeal the fine and continue to fight for the right to wear pants in public. Hussein has been joined by supporters, who, during her trial in the nation’s capitol, gathered in front of the courthouse wearing pants in solidarity. Witnesses said riot police officers fired tear gas at the crowd and beat at least one woman with a baton before arresting several others, according to published news reports. "I am Muslim. I understand Muslim law,” Hussein said in an interview. “But I ask, what passage in the Ko­ ran says women can’t wear pants? This is not nice.” Sudan is partially governed by Islamic law w hile other citizens follow the Christian faith. Some women in the country wear veils and loose-fitting garments while others, specifically, in the southern part of the country, do not. New Scientific Research May Help Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases A publication released last month highlighted the use of stem cells in combatting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Dr. Yoram Cohen, a chemistry professor at the Tel Aviv University in Israel, has been tracking the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the brain with in-vivo MR Is. Cohen and his team ran a series of experiments on animals with a case of Huntington’s disease. These animals experienced the same neuropathology as humans with the same disease, which has caused scientists to believe the results in the animals will be similar for hurnans. As Cohen’s team monitored the experiment they found that the mesenchymal stem cells were making successful attempts to repair damaged parts of the animals' brains. The use of stem cells has been the cen­ ter of debate because the majority of stem cells originate from embryos. The implication of using human cells means that the cells would not resist other cells because they come from the patient and not an outside donor.

Sources; The Mania Journal-Constitution, The Associated Press, The New Tork Times, CNN, BBC, Reuters, Al dazeera

The Speiman Spotlight - — 350 Speiman Lane SW, Campus Box #1234, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rebecca Clayton Yasmine-Imani McMorrin Briana I Iaymon Atlanta, GA 30314 Albert E. Manley College Center, MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Lower Level, Room 104 Michelle D. Anderson 4# Kirstin Cherise Evans Aierclle McGill Kelly Nicole Harper Office: 40-4-270-5969 COPY EDITORS Cherise Lesene ' 7 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Fax: -4O4-27O-597O Brittney Daigle-Leonard Jasmine Leal-Taylor 77y7 Jamille Peters THE FORUM EDITORS Advertising: / 7 7 : Brittany Fennell FEATURED WRITERS [email protected] LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITORS Shannon Paimore Ashley Brooke Brown, Jessica Gibbs, News tips, corrections and other info: Whitney Skippings-Dupree Monica Melton, Brittany O'Garro, [email protected] Akudo Nwankpa LIFESTYLE EDITOR ■ 7 Sydney E. Robinson, Nicole S. Smith, c : Dymond Elise Hayes Kiki Stenson

CORRECTIONS: Staff writers Sydney E. Robinson and Ashley Brooke Brown were not listed in the August 2009 Orientation Edition masthead. The Speiman Spotlight regrets this error. - specîalspotlight

A stray bullet hits sophomore Jasmine Lynn in the chest, caus­ Sunday Worship Service at Sisters Chapel ing a fatality and a major aftershock in the AUC. The accident Family and friends continued to remember Lynn for her occurred by the CAU Commons at approximately 1 a.m. Student outgoing and bubbly personality. Lynn’s mother said her witnesses said Lynn and another student were struck in the midst daughter dreamed of attending Spelman since the seventh of an altercation between some AUC students and other young grade. During the fall 2008 semester, upon her entrance adults who were not AUC students. Police began questioning into Spelman, Lynn began her journey to become the first several individuals and detain one “person of interest.” SEPT. 4 person in her family to graduate from college.

Authorities release the “person of inter­ SEPT. 3 est.” APD police Lt. Keith Meadows said SEPT. 6 the city police department had been work­ ing with school officials to locate security footage, according to an Atlanta Journal- Constitution report. CAU residences halls remained on lock down. AUC Remembers and Mourns

MICHELLE D. ANDERSON Above: The Prayer Wall, dedicated to Jasmine Lynn by Miss Spelman and her Court, holds words of encouragement for the friends and familiy of the late Jasmine Lynn. Students were allowed to submit these FURERY REID, SPELMAN COLLEGE words of prayer during Market Friday on September 4th. The Service of Rememberance, where students and staff gathered to offer condolences and extend prayer to the Lynn family.

Quotes Compiled by Sydney E. Robinson, Staff Writer specialspotlight

Students celebrated and recognized Lynn's life by marching and participat­ ing in an anti-gun violence effort under the direction of the "Do You Care?" campaign. The movement originated at Howard University after Mr. Howard 2008-09 brought the issue to college campuses, according to The Hilltop stu­ dent newspaper. AUC students marched to Georgia State Capitol and to other downtown locations while HU students marched around the LeDroit Park SEPT. 8 neighborhood in southeast Washington, D.C.

Prayer Walk, Vigil & Service of Remembrance at Sisters Chapel SEPT. 18 Lynn’s mother, father and aunt attended the service, which featured words from Lynn s friends, family, President Beverly Daniel Tatum, Rev. Lisa D. Rhodes, Dr. Sherry L. Turner and CAU president Carlton E. Brown. “We know we cannot control every­ thing that happens in the lives of our students but we need to do everything in our power to restore a sense of security,” Tatum said during the ceremony.

"It’s stunning. There’s no other word for it. You hear “The news of the violent act against one of my Spelman sisters is still so more about the violence at Morehouse or Clark At­ surreal to me. I keep thinking it didn’t happen, [that] I’ll wake up tomor­ lanta, or even around Atlanta, and it’s unfortunate that row morning and know nothing about this horrendous tragedy, but reality we’ve almost become apathetic about it, but to hear is that it happened. It's sad to think that a young black woman making this happened to a Spelman student is a real wake-up efforts to be an educated member of society has passed away while call. After the initial NSO-bred caution wears off, we people who commit violent acts such as this one still have the opportunity Spelman girls tend to think we're invincible, whether it’s to live. This tragic event makes me even more grateful for my time here on because we came from a rough neighborhood our-, earth and I cherish the time I have to spend with loved ones, and the rela­ selves or because Spelman itself is so fenced in. But this tionships that I’ve built. It’s also very scary to think that this monstrosity oc­ is a harsh reminder that wearing a “Black Ivy League" curred on a college campus, and furthermore an area that I have walked t-shirt doesn't make you invisible to the bigger prob­ passed countless times. It's sad that I cannot even feel safe at school, a lems of the world. May she rest in peace. Hopefully this place that is commonly seen as ticket away from violence; a safe haven. I moves students to action to prevent something like this think that this is a wakeup call to all people to be aware of your surround­ from ever happening again." ings because it can happen to anyone at anytime at any place." Lauren Harper, Senior, Spelman College Onyx Olivia, Sophomore, Spelman College The Aftermath of a Tragedy Continuedfromfront Local news reports confirm that the censes and may request other docu­ the Atlanta Police Department, would summer season has ended with a wave ments. increase patrol activity to curb crime of crime in the metro Atlanta area. Bourda said APD is conducting in the area. Recent data released from fjjf wrong stuff. They Earlier this month, an elderly wom­ these checks in response to the histori­ APD indicates high numbers of theft JF are more focused on get- an was shot and killed in a West End cally high crime rates in the area-not of and from cars parked near campus 9 ting students off the steps laundromat in the early hours of the just in response to Jasmine Lynn’s side streets, Bowser said. of Ware Hall and to stop play­ morning. Two weeks earlier, a man liv­ death. Bowser urged students to comply ing loud music than stopping a ing in a private home used for student In a recent e-mail addressed to the with campus parking regulations be­ cause it would allow enforcement of­ fight,” Greene said. housing was fatally shot, according entire campus community, President Arieon Ford, a CAU freshman who to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Beverly Daniel Tatum said even before ficials to “shift a greater percentage of lives in the CAU Suites, agreed with The man’s roommate sustained a gun the fatal shooting, she, along with the |ffts]j patrol allocation from on campus Greene saying that she thought public wound. In July, CAU police officers presidents of CAU, Morehouse and parking enforcement to patrols of the safety was “too lax.” shot an armed man near the campus Morehouse School of Medicine, had streets adjacent to campus.” “After the incident, I didn’t want to entrance. met to discuss collective efforts to re­ Each of the AUC police depart­ ments has always patrolled areas go out,” Ford said. Atlanta Police Department data duce crime. Brown said the school would like to indicates that there were about 25 re­ “Today those efforts have a new where there are overlaps of jurisdic­ gain control of James P. Brawley Drive ported crimes, including assault and urgency, and the four schools of the tion, Bowser said. to Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, par­ theft, near the Atlanta University AUC are joining in an unprecedented However, campus police have re­ ticularly around the CAU Suites and Center and the surrounding commu­ manner to address safety concerns cently intensified this practice. The overlapping patrols include Spelman Beckwith Hall. nity between July 1 and Aug. 18. even more vigorously” Tatum said in and Morehouse monitoring areas “Those street closings will be in ef­ Morehouse College Campus Po­ the e-mail. south of Fair Street and CAU and fect until we achieve street abandon­ lice Department Deputy Chief Wil­ “The increased patrols and height­ Morehouse monitoring areas north ment and until we have a larger plan lie Bourda said the city has increased ening visibility of a police presence is for how we will manage this area,” patrol in the area around the Robert intended to send a message of aggres­ of Fair Street, Bowser later shared with The Spelman Spotlight in an Brown said. W. Woodruff Library, the Morehouse sive enforcement and zero tolerance In order to gain control of the pub­ Suites and the CAU Common, a high for criminal behavior in our neighbor­ e-mail sent on Sept. 15. J lic streets near the CAU Commons, the crime area. hood,” she said. Spelman and CAU will jointly patrol Lawshe and jlF University must initiate a legal process Just recently, on Sept. 12, several On Sept. 10, Steve Bowser, direc­ Roach streets between jfF in which it would request and obtain APD officers conducted, “vehicle spot tor of public safety at Spelman, sent a notice of street abandonment for checks,” where officers temporarily an e-mail to the Spelman community Greensferry and its use, Brown said. “Obtaining street block roads to make sure “everything’s announcing that the college’s police Fair, he said. abandonment will not reasonably oc­ in order,” Bourda said. During these department, in collaboration with cur within the next few months.” spot checks, officers check driver’s li­ other AUC police departments and Page 6 ------Spelman alumna runs for Atlanta mayor Continuedfrom, frontpage ronment and faculty helped nurture her transportation, environment, urban success. She recalls when Dean Desiree planning, revenue generation, and ac­ Pedescleaux served as the head of the countability. political science department and how Brown says her campaign is based on the rigor of courses helped prepare her leadership, which she believes requires for the challenges she faces today. more than rhetoric, but a strategy that Brown believes Spelman does a good supports it. job preparing women to develop strat­ “Real leadership begins with listen­ egies for career and academic develop­ ing,’’ the Atlanta native says. “There is ment, but feels the college can also work no specific timeline on being a leader. on helping students cultivate personal God appoints you an opportunity j^at and political relationships. any] time and you have to run with it. “The AUC ^should] strongly en­ Everyone’s timing is different.’’ courage AUC unity. There is Olive After graduating with a bachelor’s PHOTO PROVIDED BY DR. TIFFANY BROWN Branch but there should be a deeper degree in political science in 2001, Spelman alumna Dr. Tiffany Brown, candidate for Mayor bond between the AUC students outside Brown earned a master’s degree in pub­ An aspiring politician since child­ safety concerns, Brown wants to imple­ of that,” she says. lic administration from Clark Atlanta hood, Brown says, "Ever since I was ment a campus watch program where Brown often cites her college friends University and a doctorate in public class president in the second grade I campus safety has a direct link to the as some of her closest companions. policy and administration from Walden was interested in politics.” Atlanta Police Department. She knows what it is like to be a young University. Brown first ran for an Atlanta may- “There will also be text message woman, figuring it all out. Her advice Brown previously worked for the oral seat four years ago at the age of 26. alerts so if something happens in for young women: “Follow your own United States Government Account­ She dropped out of the race early to as­ or around school the student will be voice. People may not always under­ ability Office, Fulton County District sist her family in the aftermath of Hur­ warned through text,” Brown says. stand it but you have to carve your own Attorney’s Office, Georgia Law Center ricane Katrina. Spelman recently launched a similar path. Older adults may try to make you for the Homeless, the Supreme Court of Brown says she’s a fervent repre­ emergency communications system think because it’s not the path they took Georgia, Equifax and the Atlanta Bar sentative for social justice and politi­ called Spelman ALERT. The system that it is wrong, but you have to make Association, according to her official cal change. She participates in various allows students, faculty and staff to re­ your own way.” Web site. community service projects including ceive urgent time-sensitive warnings in According to Penny Haygood, Currently, Brown serves as the owner the IRS Volunteer Program and the the form of e-mail, voice and text mes­ Brown’s publicist, Brown will partici­ of Your Luminosity, a non-profit social Hutchinson Elementary After School sages. pate in the race as a write-in candidate. networking Web site and Brown Vend­ Program. Reflecting on her days at Spelman ing, a snack vending service. In response to Atlanta students’ and Clark Atlanta, Brown says the envi- Students receive Spelmanite new e-mail accounts develops Kiki Stenson Staff Writer top iPhone

Upperclassmen received a message in their e-mail ac­ application counts in August informing them that their new Gmail accounts were available and ready for use. Monica Melton “Spelman is moving towards progress. They’re fol­ Staff Writer lowing technological trends,” said Damien Sears, a Help Desk support technician in the Media Information and Jonecia Keels, a junior and dual-degree engi­ Technology division (MIT) at Spelman. neering major, has receiving a lot of recognition Students said they were satisfied with Spelman’s tech­ lately for the success of her iPhone application, in­ nological advances when asked if they preferred the new spired by the Pokemon game franchise. The pro­ PHOTO COURTESY OF JONECIA KEELS Gmail accounts to the older system powered by Lotus gram, iDex, reached the Apple App Store 'fop 25 Spelman Junior Jonecia Keels, who created the iPhone application iDex. Notes, a software program developed by IBM. list this year, beating over 2,000 other reference ming you make everything yourself. There is no tem­ “I really like the Gmail accounts. Before, I wasn’t able applications that are downloaded from the Web site. plate. So my application itself is kind of like a phone to attach documents because I have a Mac,” said sopho­ Keels, who also serves as co-captain of Spelman’s book. Lets say you want to look up Pikachu for exam­ more Janaye Walker. award-winning robotics team SpelBots, recently sat ple. You select the character and all their information- Marquita Hardy, a junior, said she likes how she can down with Spotlight staff writer Monica Melton to you can imagine how tedious it was to input every­ now access her e-mail from her cell phone. talk about her success as a rising technology star. thing for all four hundred ninety-three characters. “I would feel overwhelmed every time I opened my Spelman Spotlight: What sparked your interest in SS: How does one go about creating an application ]Lotus Notes] e-mail. Now, I know I’ll never miss any­ technology? for Apple? You don’t just call them on the phone do thing since the e-mails come to my phone,” Hardy said. Jonecia Keels: 1 was always fascinated with tech­ you? The accounts give students the option to attach larger nology. I remember when I got my first computer in JK: No. Usually you pay $99 a year to have your documents and send e-mails en masse. In comparison to the fifth grade and my mom bought me educational application with Apple. However, I was selected for the older system, in which e-mails sent to the entire stu­ software, which I thought was the coolest. My interest a special program. Only 25 people nation-wide were dent body had to be initiated through a staff or faculty grew from there. accepted. It is called “Cocoa Camp.” It was a crash member. SS: What kind of child were you? course on Apple applications. So they let me publish MIT officials say the new Gmail accounts offer more JKI never thought I was smart enough. I always saw my app for free...I was one of two women in the pro­ reliability than the Lotus Notes accounts. The new ac­ white males in technological fields. I never thought it gram and the only Black. counts are stored on Google Inc.’s Internet server and was something that I’d end up doing although I liked SS: Does that fact shape things you might create in not on the college’s server, which allows students to ac­ it...in high school I was a cheerleader and I didn’t re­ the future? cess their e-mail accounts even when Spelman’s network ally see myself doing anything with technology. JK: Not necessarily. My app users will know that I is down. SS: You mentioned earlier that you saw technol­ am Black. There is a picture of me when you access it. Sears said MIT has received several inquiries from ogy as a field typically reserved for white men. Do you I want people to know that we ]Black women] are out sophomores, juniors and seniors who are used the old think that we will begin to see an increase of people of there as well working in this field. system. Many have asked why they no longer receive color in technological fields? SS: Is the application available for purchase? e-mails in their Lotus Notes account. JK: I think it will be a while. Programmers need JK: I did this application for free because this is my “The Lotus Notes accounts are no longer active and to go into inner-city schools and mentor to kids so first program. I want to get my name out there. I plan students should set up their new accounts,” Sears said. they can broaden possible career fields. Let these kids to release another one. He added that MIT has scheduled to take the old system know there is more out there for them besides being SS: When do you plan to release your next applica­ off line in mid-December. an athlete. tion? Unlike students, professors, administrators and staff SS: Do you think that in the near future technology JK: November or December of this year. Getting it members did not receive new Gmail accounts because we will be at the center of the way we learn? approved by Apple takes a while. faculty and other employees require the use of Lotus JK: I think that in ten years it will be standard for SS: Is there a message you want to leave with peo­ Notes to complete tasks related to the phone system and everyday people to be programming their own appli­ ple? Banner Web, an online portal that offers registration cations. JK: Yes, Neece ]Jonecia] is no super genius. Anyone and personal account management for students, faculty SS: What went into creating your application? can create an app, no one should feel intimidated with and staff. JK: Well, it’s kind of a long process. In program- anything they do-not just science. Page 7 -

Are we safe beyond the gates?

Shannon Palmore Clark Atlanta University; we attend classes at those institutions and share a library ‘The Forum’ Editor together. Walks to Publix and local eateries run straight through Clark Atlanta’s campus, which unlike the campuses of Spelman and Morehouse, remains exposed Despite its prestige and sturdy gates, Spelman College is not immune to the vio­ to the public. lence and crime surrounding its campus. The death of our Spelman sister Jasmine Proper security of the area is difficult. James P. Brawley Drive, part of which Lynn is more than needed proof of this reality. is known as “The Strip,” is a major street that travels Clark Atlanta’s campus. It’s During New Student Orientation we’re handed shiny silver whistles engraved a popular hangout spot for students and its walkway leads directly to Robert W. with the initials “SC.” No, this whistle is not meant to signal campus security to Woodruff Library. Promenading through this area late at night will likely be more come handle that annoying Morehouse guy and no, it’s not the accompanying in­ dangerous than walking through Spelman’s campus. That’s a fact. And it s a prob­ strument to rapper Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle.” lem. This whistle, as explained before being placed in our hands, is for our protection. Part of the college experience includes the freedom of hanging out with friends It doesn’t literally protect us, but it is meant to alert those who can protect us if at any time, group trips to get food and spending long nights studying in the li­ we’re in danger. Thankfully, I have never needed to use my whistle, but to me, it brary. Involvement in these activities should not be at the risk of being robbed, serves as a constant reminder that the West End is not safe beyond our gates. assaulted or possibly killed. The tailored beauty of our campus- with its manicured lawns and clean side- I was not surprised when I received news about the shooting on Clark Atlanta s walks-are mesmerizing enough to make one forget about the world that exists campus. However, learning about the death of our Spelman sister was a shock and beyond the entrance. Our loved ones leave us here confident that within these gates continues to devastate me. we will be all right. President Tatum informed students during the memorial service in Sisters Cha­ But our college experience extends beyond those bars. We are a part of a larger pel that this incident could have happened anywhere. She’s right, it could- but it community: the Atlanta University Center. shouldn’t. We have cemented relationships with students from Morehouse College and

Spelman’s LGBT community remains unheard

Shannon Palmore there aren’t any. What do ‘conspicuously heterosexual’ women look like?” Adeeyo ‘The Forum’ Editor says. The Spelman community’s silence towards the sexuality and identity of its LGBT They are lesbian. They are bisexual. Some identify with neither, but these women community denies this population’s existence to a certain extent. are attracted to women, or have fallen in love with another woman. Afrekete president and senior Jeshawna Wholley, says that at one time she felt They are Spelman women. alienated and excluded on campus. And despite campus organizations such as Afrekete and the Feminist Majority “I feared social backlash if my true identity was revealed,” says Wholley, who does Leadership Alliance, which accept and support these women, this population re­ not identify herself as a lesbian because of the label’s limitation. mains relatively obscure and their voices go unheard. Spelman’s silence and weak acknowledgement of its LGBT students suggests That such a community is silenced on Spelman’s campus baffles me. Administra­ that it’s not in full support of the community, and further, that there’s some intoler­ tors and professors encourage students to be confident, cultured and scholarly, and ance among the greater Spelman community. to embrace the diversities of their sisters. Yet, there’s a noted silence and disregard Ginger Walker, a senior and member of Afrekete and FMLA, says Spelman does for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community at Spelman. not adequately represent its lesbian and bisexual students. Spelman works arduously to create an image of the Spelman woman who invali­ Walker represents one of the Spelman students who challenged the college’s deci­ dates the negative and sexual stereotypes of Black women portrayed in the media. sion to use New Birth Missionary Baptist Church as a venue for spring Commence­ As a result, people often identify her by her endearing characteristics rather than ment. The church’s pastor Bishop Eddie Long has made remarks against the LGBT her sexuality. lifestyle. During one sermon he said homosexuality and lesbianism were spiritual Pauline E. Drake Scholar, Lauren Brown Jarvis, says a Spelman woman is an edu­ abortions.” cated, articulate and strong leader. “It is unacceptable [That as] a senior lesbian female that I would even have to “Sexuality should not even come into play when defining the Spelman woman, consider stepping foot into a sanctuary, where I am celebrating one of the greatest Jarvis says. achievements in my life, and have to feel anything but acceptance,” Walker says. “ I Disassociating Spelman women from sexuality does not, however, extinguish her would not take that walk to graduate.” sexuality. Despite their beliefs that Spelman does not recognize its LGBT community, Because heterosexuality is considered the norm in our society, an individual’s sex­ FMLA and Afrekete members, which also includes heterosexual students, say they uality is always implied to be just that-unless a person gives the impression that he represent the ideal Spelman woman. or she is something different. “I think that as ^Spelman] women, who enter to learn and exit to serve, it is our Senior and FMLA member Sade Adeeyo says people often make the mistake of duty to be aware of and contribute to all social realities ]and] injustices,” Adeeyo linking a woman’s sexuality with appearance. says. “The ideal image of the Spelman woman is relative and evolutionary.” “Because there are no ‘conspicuously gay’ women on campus, that doesn’t mean

OPINION & EDITORIAL POLICY:

The Spelman Spotlight welcomes letters to the editor and opinion articles for “The Forum.” Letters should be no more than 300 words and opinion articles, no more than 400 words. All submissions should include contact information. The editors reserve the right to edit articles for typos, gram­ matical errors and clarity. Unsigned staff editorials reflect the views of the editorial board. Opinion articles do not reflect the views of The Spelman Spotlight, its advisers or the Spelman College administration. r*x —------I Iif J8 LS J8 rjsLv.v.v.vS C j

Spotlight Approved: Metro Cate Diner Tour sourcefor fun and exciting happenings in the Atlanta area. From cultural events and smooth lounges to fabulous restaurants and quirky spots - we’ve got you covered!

No one can knock a good night on the town. A trip area. down Peachtree Street can offer just that and more While the second floor is away from the bar, its live­ thanks to Metro Café Diner, an establishment tucked ly scene offers much entertainment. away on a side street near popular places like Hard What’s great about Metro Café Diner is that the Rock Café and The Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel. The food is always fresh, tasty and sets guests up for the diner attracts a diverse group of patrons who come to next phase of their visit: the karaoke floor. have a great time in the center of downtown nightlife. The restaurant boasts an extensive music collection If you don’t see the sign for the restaurant imme­ with songs by Whitney Houston, Ne-Yo and even the diately, you will hear music from the eatery’s live ka­ Spice Girls and classics such as Motown’s “Dancing in raoke area streaming from surround sound speakers the Streets” by Martha and the Vandellas, and 1990s placed outside of the diner. With its neon colors and country hits like “Kiss” by Faith Hill. If you’re not ex­ retro styled décor, Metro Café Diner gives the impres­ actly pumped about getting down on the microphone, sion of a 1970s restaurant or club. The 24-hour estab­ feel free to get down on the dance floor when the DJ

lishment offers an All-American menu with a Greek- PHOTO BY: MICHELLE D. ANDERSON regularly busts out with the “Electric Slide” and the inspired twist. Located in Downtown Atlanta, the Metro Café Diner is known for its “Cupid Shuffle.” The breakfast options boast regular ticket meals. mixture of Greek and All-American classics, it also has a superb karaoke “ Address: For $6, patrons can enjoy a stack of light and fluffy stage with an extensive song library. 229 Peachtree St. 'Suite B-17) buttermilk pancakes; for $8.50, the Traditional Egg Atlanta. Georgia Benedict, an English muffin topped with poached comes with a pita bread stuffed with chicken and beef Phone: eggs, Canadian bacon and hollandaise sauce. or gyro meat or spanakopita and dolmades served with 404-577-1420 The diner offers a great lunch and dinner selection crispy french fries for about $14. Marta: providing hamburger specials, exotic wraps, sophis­ The first level is strictly reserved for the bar so stu­ Peachtree Center Station. ticated pasta dishes and traditional Greek fare such dents under the age of 21 will have to move swiftly Online: as the Combination Greek Gyro Platter. The platter to the second floor which boasts a comfortable dining www.mctrocafediner.com Spelman goes 'Undercover'

Black Female Identities,” has many peo­ Encompassing over 50 works dating course, African Diaspora and the World. ple talking about the museum’s latest back to 1926, the exhibition features 33 One particular photograph by Renee showing. artists, including Gordon Parks, Renee Cox features the contemporary artist’s The exhibit, which debuted on Sept. Cox, James Van Der Zee, Emma Amos, photographic interpretation of Saartjie 10, looks at the way Black women dis­ Lyle Ashton Harris, Coreen Simpson Baartman, commonly known as “The guise themselves and the way others at­ and Cindy Sherman. Hottentot Venus.” tempt to disguise themselves as Black Students who have already seen a “I believe it will create a lot of buzz. women. preview of “Undercover” say the photo­ Those who see the exhibit will tell oth­ “It deals with sensuality and not be­ graphs, paintings, sculptures and mul­ ers,” Dixon said. “I’m definitely trying ing negative,” said Anne Collins Smith, timedia are contentious and thought- to get my family to see the exhibit.” museum curator of collections. provoking. The Spelman College Museum of The concept behind this exhibition “We went to the museum to decide Fine Art is located in the rear of the centers on the idea that Black women upon the layout. We ended up debating Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Nicole S. Smith have different motives for altering their what the work was about and what the Center. Staff Writer outward appearance. It considers their artist was thinking about. It’s in your The exhibition will be open from Sept. 10 reasons for camouflaging and its influ­ face and controversial,” said Everett until Dec. 5, 2009. The museum is free for Many students have never stepped ence on race and gender. The artwork Dixon, a Morehouse student who works Atlanta University Center students and $3for foot in the Spelman Museum of Fine presented in the exhibition makes no at­ in the Spelman Art Department. general admission. The museum is open Tues­ Art, but the new exhibition, “Under­ tempt to be delicate or repress central Upon entering the exhibition, the art­ day through Fridayfrom 10 a.m. to 4p.m. cover: Performing and Transforming themes. work may conjure up concepts from the

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Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z Ready - Trey Songz Man on the Moon - Kid Cudi In his final installment of the Blueprint sequence, Trey Songz’s highly anticipated album “Ready” Music fans looked forward to Kid Cudi’s Brooklyn-bred rapper Jay-Z proves once again represents a new and fresh generation of R&B. “Man on the Moon” because of its New Age why New York (“Empire State of Mind”) is every­ Favorites like Usher and R. Kelly will have to music sound. On this album, Cudi exempli­ one’s favorite city and why he’s everyone’s favorite make room. Popular for his previous singles fies the transformation of hip-hop/rap. His rapper (“A Star is Born”). On BP3, he holds no bars “Replacement Girl” and "Can’t Help But Wait,” production deviates from the sound of ear­ when boasting JAY-Z WlflWI 'Prey Songz lier emcees like Notorious B.I.G and Tupac, about his suc­ does not dis­ but also con­ cess and matu­ appoint his temporary rity as an artist. fans. His lat­ rappers such His punch lines est effort, as Jay-Z hit hard as he which debuted and Kanye never forgets last month, West. Cudi’s to represent his features a di­ previous hometown. Yet, verse range single “Day it’s the smooth of tracks, ‘N Nite” sounds of a full consisting of was a huge band heard on a few upbeat hit nation­ BP3 that make songs and ally for it’s it the perfect several lov- dope beat soundtrack for er-approved and fresh originality. Other already-released an intimate Saturday night. But perhaps the most slow jams. Released singles comprise of “Need singles on the album include “Make Her Say” commendable trait about this legend is the humil­ a Girl,” “Invented Sex” featuring Drake and which samples “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga, ity he exhibits over various tracks. He shows no “LOL” featuring Soulja Boy Tell ’Em and Gucci and features Kanye West and Common. “Up qualms about sharing the spotlight with fellow Mane. Other album highlights include “Neigh­ Up & Away,” “Sky Might Fall” and “Pursuit Roc-Nation artist Kanye West, producers Pharrell bors Know My Name,” “Say Ah” and “One of Happiness” will most likely become fan and Swizz Beatz, and newcomers Kid Cudi, Drake Love.” This album has an old time quality to it favorites. However, because of Cudi’s alter­ and J.Cole. Indeed, BP3 solidifies Jay-Z’s role as the and the varied track selection allows listeners to native and futuristic sound it might be hard Tony Soprano of rap and unequivocally asserts play every song continuously without having to for listeners to completely immerse them­ that he’s “jigga, jigga, that n***a jigga.” skip over sub-par songs. selves in his latest effort. -Brittany O’Garro -Jessica Gibbs -Jessica Gibbs